The mood wasn’t somber in the Puyallup Vikings’ locker room following a 63-51 loss Friday night to the Federal Way Eagles.

The Eagles, who are in first place in the South Puget Sound League South Division, may have registered a 12-point triumph, but it didn’t affect the spirits of Vikings head coach Scott Campbell.

“I think Federal Way are one of the top two or three teams in the state,” Campbell said. “I think they have a great shot at winning it (state title). They are well-coached, fast, can shoot it, can pass it and can rebound.”

The Vikings (7-10 overall) trailed 25-11 after the first eight minutes but kept it close the rest of the way. Puyallup outscored Federal Way 40-38 during the final three quarters.

“I was proud of our guys,” Campbell said. “I don’t think we backed down in any way. We competed and battled. We took the shots that were there and battled defensively. That is all you can ask for.”

Isak Visser scored 14 points and sharpshooter Nick Gutierrez added 12 for Puyallup.

Federal Way’s defense wreaked havoc all night, resulting in a slew of Puyallup turnovers.

“I thought we did a pretty good job,” Eagles head coach Jerome Collins said. “At times we didn’t rotate properly, but those things are going to happen.

“Overall, we did a pretty good job where, if we missed a shot, that we’re getting down in the paint for a rebound.

“Our kids stepped up tonight and did a good job.”

Sports Editor Shaun Scott can be reached at 253-552-7002 or by email at shaun.scott@puyallupherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @herald_shaun.